Paleontologists Uncover Remains of a Possibly 29-Meter Long dinosaur in china
Recent research published in Scientific Reports details the discovery of fossilized remains in Suining,China,belonging to a previously unknown sauropod dinosaur,Tangnanlong zhimingi.The find offers new insights into the evolution adn global distribution of these giant, long-necked creatures.
Tangnanlong zhimingi is identified as a member of the Mamenchisauridae family, a group characterized by remarkably lightweight skeletons for their immense size. A key feature of the tangnanlong fossil is the presence of air-filled spaces within the bones, a structural adaptation that reduced weight without compromising strength – a common trait among large sauropods. Researchers also noted the presence of large shoulder blades and reinforced spines, further indicating the dinosaur was built to support ample weight.
While the fossil is incomplete, consisting of three vertebrae, six tail vertebrae, a portion of a shoulder bone, and several leg bones, scientists were able to estimate the dinosaur’s overall length. By comparing the discovered bones – specifically the scapula (shoulder blade) and fibula (calf bone) – to those of other known Mamenchisauridae, they estimate Tangnanlong reached a length of approximately 22 to 29 meters, potentially making it one of the largest land animals in Earth’s history.
The discovery site, within the Suining Formation, reveals a prehistoric ecosystem that once supported a community of giant sauropods. The sediment layer, composed of purple-red mudstone and sandstone, shows evidence of ripple marks, suggesting the area was once a lakeside habitat. further supporting this, the presence of freshwater bivalves, conchostracans, and turtles within the same rock layers points to a Jurassic wetland capable of sustaining massive herbivore life.The fossil’s preservation suggests the animal died near where it lived, indicating a stable, local ecosystem.
The findings also contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding the ”East Asian isolation hypothesis,” which proposes that East Asia was geographically isolated during the Jurassic period.The presence of Mamenchisauridae members outside of asia, such as Wamweracaudia keranjei found in Tanzania, suggests a broader global distribution.
“The latest findings prove Mamenchisauridae is not just an East Asian group,” explained lead researcher Xuefang Wei. “They apparently spread globally during the Late Jurassic and giant sauropods lived in similar environments on many continents simultaneously occurring.”
(Source: Earth.com and Scientific Reports)
